San Antonio Spurs: 5 options for pick No. 18 in 2018 NBA Draft

2. Khyri Thomas, SG — Creighton

This is one of the more popular names I’ve seen mentioned alongside the Spurs in early mock drafts. Upon further review, it’s easy to see why Khyri Thomas would intrigue San Antonio as a target at No. 18 overall.

Looking at his numbers at Creighton, there’s no mistaking that Thomas was a quality offensive threat. During his junior 2017-18 season, he averaged 15.1 points per game while shooting 53.8 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from downtown. However, it’s not his offensive game that has teams so excited about his potential.

Instead, it’s Thomas’ playmaking abilities on the defensive end that has him looking like a possible Top 20 selection. With outstanding length and wingspan for a guard, he makes life miserable for opposing scorers. In his final season with the Bluejays, he racked up 56 steals, good for fourth in the entire Big East.

It’s that defense and versatility to guard numerous positions that has to have him on the Spurs’ radar. The Ringer‘s 2018 NBA Draft guide even compares him favorably to Patrick Beverely, which should say something about the potential he possesses on that side of the court. Or maybe an Avery Bradley comparison better fits your fancy?

For some, Thomas may seem like a stretch at No. 18. Regardless, San Antonio knows how to turn these types of guards into superstars. Feels like a good fit to me.